Pet Beds: Cozy, Cuddly & Big Business for Retailers

The pet furniture market, driven by dog beds and cat trees, are arguably the largest category of durable pet products in the United States, registering retail sales of more than $1.04 billion in 2024, according to Circana. The human-animal bond is a driving factor for growing sales as there is a growing trend for pet parents to purchase more than one bed, placing them in various rooms throughout the home and even having a travel bed or crate.  

Shopping for pet beds has become much like shopping for human beds. Consumers are looking for attractive pieces that match their current décor while being eco-friendly and comfortable for the companion animal. In addition, the savvy shopper typically seeks out beds that are not only vibrant, but also durable and washable.  

Manufacturers are responding to these consumer demands by offering dogs beds that have stylish patterns and colors, as well as innovative filling materials. While some beds have cartoonish designs, others literally resemble miniature sofas and loveseats. 

While beds can be beautiful works of art, they also are one of today’s more expensive pet products. Additionally, they tend to be a challenge for retailers to display due to their bulky nature. However, while they might eat up valuable retail space, they typically hold high margins. Today’s bed manufacturers are getting creative with how to merchandise their beds, because while retailers have limited space for these sizable products, they still want to offer premium-priced items as well as economy beds. 

Many pet owners want style for their dog’s dedicated sleep space. Others are looking for comfort and orthopedic support for senior pets or for companion animals that are convalescing after surgery or illness. Many of today’s beds are made with specific therapeutic qualities, such as memory foam for hip and joint support, and a growing number of manufacturers are making mats and pads that maintain hot and cold temperatures or that have such botanical scents as lavender that is known to soothe and calm a pet. 

Founded in 2011 with a mission to enhance the well-being of dogs — especially large breeds prone to joint issues — Barker Beds designs premium orthopedic beds and wellness solutions that support every stage of a dog’s life. Barker Beds, in partnership with Link, a pet wellness technology brand, recently released the results from its Better Sleep Study. The findings show that their high-quality orthopedic beds significantly improve sleep, energy, and overall wellness in dogs of all ages and sizes.  

The in-home study followed 42 dogs across 36 households over five weeks, using Link’s advanced wearable technology and PetNet AI platform to track sleep metrics in real-life environments. Dogs sleeping on Barker Beds showed a 26 percent improvement in overall Sleep Quality Scores, a 42 percent reduction in disturbed rest, and measurable gains in sleep efficiency, energy, and next-day mobility.  

“This study confirms what we have long suspected, Barker Beds truly lead to better days for dogs,” said Louisa Marvin, marketing director of Barker Beds. “Now we have the data to prove it.”  

Built on the foundation of Barker Beds’ prior clinical research with the University of Pennsylvania, the Better Sleep Study explored the role of bedding in canine rest across diverse in-home conditions. The results consistently demonstrated that orthopedic sleep support delivers measurable health benefits.  

Key findings from the study include:  

• During a choice phase, 88 percent of participating dogs chose the Barker Bed over the competitor bed. 

• Dogs over 6 years old fell asleep twice as fast and experienced 32 percent less restlessness overnight. 

• Younger dogs gained 14 percent more deep rest and increased total sleep time by 13 percent. 

• Large breed dogs over 70 pounds improved sleep efficiency and total rest by over 11 percent. 

“These results elevate orthopedic bedding from a luxury to a critical part of a dog’s wellness plan,” said Donny Lamey, CEO of Link. “Our ability to quantify better sleep through wearable data gives pet owners and veterinarians the tools to make smarter decisions.” 

“Veterinarians can now confidently recommend orthopedic bedding as part of multimodal wellness strategies,” said Dr. Sarah Cutler Tew, the study’s lead advisor and expert in animal biomechanics. “This is especially important for aging or mobility-challenged dogs. 

Pet bed manufacturers are driving market growth with investments in research and development for advancements in innovative designs, high-grade bedding materials and even smart bed technology, which include built-in scales and thermostatic heating and cooling systems.  

For retailers, beds generate excitement, especially those with vibrant colors and rich textures. Beds displayed close to the store’s entrance or in a window can literally stop passersby in their tracks.  

A store’s selection of beds can help define it in a highly competitive retail market as these stylish and often luxury products can help a store differentiate itself among customers. Social media, specifically Instagram, can be a valuable resource for retailers when it comes to sharing and showcasing its selection of pet beds to potential pet-owning customers. A single photo or video can go a long way in promoting a store’s inventory of dog and cat bed options.